Living Beyond the Diagnosis- Andy Czechanski on CHD and Endurance Sports

Running Miles with Heart Disease CHDAndy Czechanski: From Congenital Heart Disease to Completing 100 Miles What happens when you're born with a serious heart condition, are told to avoid high-school sports, and eventually go on to complete a 100-mile ultramarathon? For Andy Czechanski, it's a story of determination, adaptability, and finding a way forward. Andy is a firefighter and battalion chief, paramedic, registered nurse, and EMS instructor. Born with transposition of the great arteries, he underwent the Senning procedure at just three months old in 1982. Growing up, Andy was discouraged from participating in athletics. He eventually discovered mountain biking, which opened the door to endurance sports. After years of challenging mountain bike and gravel races, he moved into ultrarunning, completing a 50-mile event and an incredible 108-mile race in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2024. In this episode, Andy shares his journey with congenital heart disease and how he learned to adapt his training to his body and his life. Living with CHD: Andy's diagnosis, childhood surgery, and growing up with restrictions on sports. Finding Endurance Sports: How mountain biking led him to ultrarunning. The 108-Mile Challenge: His experience completing the Marji Gesick 100 in 2024. Training with CHD: Using perceived effort, breathing, and time-based training rather than chasing traditional heart-rate zones. Consistency Over Intensity: Why everyday movement and steady progress matter. Race Nutrition: His preference for whole foods and the importance of practicing nutrition during training. Being Your Own Advocate: Working with your cardiologist and finding activities appropriate for your individual condition. Family and Balance: Managing endurance training alongside a demanding career and raising five children. Andy reminds us that CHD is part of your story, but it doesn't have to define your entire life. Every heart condition is different, and exercise recommendations should be individualized with guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. If one activity isn't right for you, that doesn't mean every door is closed. Find out what is possible, start where you are, and keep moving forward. You don't have to run 100 miles. Sometimes a daily walk is the beginning of something life-changing. Your heart condition is part of your story, but it doesn't have to be your whole story. Andy hopes to participate in the 2027 Marji Gesick 50-mile race alongside his son, but the event sold out quickly. If you're registered but become injured, have a change of plans, or can no longer participate, Andy would love to hear from you if you're willing to transfer your entry. Contact Andy: [email protected] Please coordinate any entry transfer through the race organizers and follow their official transfer rules. What We DiscussA Message for Anyone Living with Congenital Heart DiseaseHelp Andy and His Son Get to the Starting Line!